MarkD34M

Confirm the electric trim rocker switch is in the on position?

I was also able to attend Ocala, my 4th Pilot Proficiency Course with this group. It is a great way to learn from some of the best, most seasoned Mooney pilots who know their aircraft, the systems and how to operate them. Every time I attend, I meet new interesting people with the same passion for our machines and learn a ton. And, the instructors are great people who are very supportive - and they volunteer. I highly recommend it to all. You won't regret it. Mark

When I owned my 231, I had this problem intermittently. It was traced to the starter adaptor which was slipping. Listen for the noise and if so, do not continue to keep cranking as my understanding (or recollection) is that over time. they can create metal shavings which could find their way into the engine. They can be rebuilt.

Sorry to hear about the incident and the damage. I believe you may be referring to the plane I used to own for many years and 800 hours of flying time if I am connecting the dots. It was a great plane and I am hopeful you can bring her back to life after the unfortunate circumstances. Please keep up posted on what ultimately caused the issue. Best of luck and happy the outcome didn't involve injuries.

Jeff: I have an Ovation 1 and my recollection is, the probe goes into the oil cooler on the IO550. If you have the same set up and can confirm the part number I can send you one to try before you buy a new one. I have a spare (ask me how I know - I did the same thing you did but mine was the gauge). I believe Mooney part number is 102-000606. PM me if you'd like me to send it down. Mark

This might be helpful for all: https://hartzell.aero/tech-tip-alternator-drive-couplings-careful-installation-required/

I had a very similar thing happen on a 100 hour overhauled engine. On two oil changes we found small orange material and when I called the shop they told me to ground the plane and pull the alternator. As it turns out the overhauled coupler was protruding out too far and causing wear on the crank gear. The engine was pulled and IRAN'd at a heavy expense to the overhaul shop. The shop is a well known overhauler and as a result they do two things going forward. 1) they stopped using that particular shop for the overhauled coupler 2) they build a jig now check the mating of the alternator gear to the crank gear before they assemble the 550's with the direct drive. During this process I researched this extensively (lot's of good info on Beechtalk). In some cases, they use a thinner gasket and in others, they have found that the shipping washer was installed when it should have been removed before install. The net is, do the 500 hour inspection and make sure to use a good coupler when replacement is needed. Very sorry about your engine and glad you didn't have any catastrophic issues. Best of luck. Mark

I had about 800 hours in my 231 and now an Ovation. Much has been covered here but you will adjust quickly. Less pilot workload to deal with. No fiddling with throttle on climbout and no cowl flaps to deal with. I'd also suggest the takeoff and climb is better - at least to 7-8000 give or take. The extra horsepower is felt down low. One you lean out, the fuel flows are within a couple of gallons also. Enjoy the new ride!

Niko: McFarlane has them in stock. They dropped shipped one for me last week for my Ovation. Mark

Hubcap: I attended the one in Massachusetts in September, my 3rd one. Great group of people, lots of learning and enjoyment. And, they all volunteer, which shows you how passionate they are about helping others and the Mooney community. Bud and I have flown many hours together. Great guy. Hope to see you at one in the future. Safe flying. Mark

Many years ago, I had Foothill do a pre-buy on a 231, which I ultimately bought based on their assessment. It took a lot of money and hassle to get it to acceptable condition once I got it back to the East Coast. They missed "a lot". Dried out pucks, bad oil cooler, both AI and DG overhaul, and dried out hot prop boots which flew off in flight to name a few. Was I frustrated with it, yes but I learned a lot through the process. Pick your shop carefully and be a part of the process.

I have used Crossfire in the past, when I had a Tobago with the dual mag. I'd highly recommend them. Very thoughtful, communicative and reasonably priced. All of the Socata guys use him for their dual mag's it seems and come with excellent reviews. My experience was very good and I'd recommend them.

I just got out of annual also and had a similar situation. The shop put chafe tape on the flaps and when they were retracted, the tape held the one flap off by a very small amount. I removed it and it flew straight as an arrow. Maybe confirm the flaps are fully retracted in flight.

FJC: I just pulled all my packs and lights for an upgrade on an Ovation. Only one power pack was inop. So, I have all of the packs and all of the lights that I removed. FWIW, the new Whelen power pack costs are what pushed me to this direction. If I could have found a useable pack, I'd have kept them. PM me if you are interested. Mark

Genius.... Great set up.